7 ways to improve employee well-being and company productivity

1. Create a fulfilling workplace culture

Many business owners may believe that all employees worry about is their salary. However, times have changed. Personal well-being, job fulfilment and company culture are just as important to many employees, particularly millennials who value personal growth. Naturally, such a working environment encourages employees to function at their best.

In The Culture Cycle: How to Shape the Unseen Force that Transforms Performance, James Heskett demonstrates how an effective culture can make companies be more profitable and provides long-term competitive advantage. Fulfilling culture accounts for 20-30% of the differential in performance compared with "culturally unremarkable" competitors.

Therefore, creating an fulfilling workplace culture is what every company should pay attention to.
 

2. Create a quiet space in the office

One of the most straightforward wellness initiatives is to implement a quiet space where employees can rest. This need not be a large area; a small corner would work just fine.

Helping your employees relieve stress for even a few minutes a day can make a big difference in their efficiency.

3. Green up the office

Many employees work under fluorescent lights the whole day. However, an environment with natural light and greenery can make people happier. Make sure that there are plenty of potted plants around the office. Plants are known to have health benefits such as lowering blood pressure; thus, promoting a feeling of well-being.

In addition, a green office can boost employees’ productivity. Havard’s study "The Impact of Green Buildings on Cognitive Function" found that employees' cognitive performance scores averaged 101 percent higher in green building environments with enhanced ventilation compared to a conventional building environment.
 

4. Get everyone walking

Walking is one of the most effective activities to improve health. One Stanford University study found that walking increased creative output by an average of 60 percent.

So that, keep your employees fit with a walking challenge. Ask everyone to log their steps and reward those who have taken the most steps each month with something like a gift card.

5. Encourage pets in the office

Higher productivity can sometimes come down to having an office cat, dog or even a parakeet. Online marketplace Carousell found that letting pets in the office is a good way to help employees reduce stress, boost morale and lift productivity.
 

6. Become a certified healthier workplace

According to Vietnam’s Employment Law, employers must ensure that workplace meets the standards of space, ventilation, brightness, hygienic regulations on dust, steam, toxic, radiation, electricity, magnetic fields, heat, humidity, noise, vibration and other harms. These factors should be checked and measured periodically. Business owners should seek advice from experts to implement a standard work environment.
 

7. Offer special health care benefits

SMEs should design special package to attract top talents.

Offer medical benefits such as a complimentary annual health screening that encourage employees' peace of mind.

More than that, others health-related benefits such as dental care, insurance for employees’ loved ones, vision care, mental care… are also interested factors for candidates when they apply for a job.

When employees work for a company that looks after their welfare and has their best interests at heart, morale, job satisfaction and productivity are maximised.